Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

What must be installed on equipment that directly connects with the potable water supply?

1. Water filters

2. Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB)

3. Backflow preventers

4. Pressure regulators

The correct answer is: Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB)

The correct answer is that Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB) must be installed on equipment that directly connects with the potable water supply to prevent any potential contamination of the drinking water. AVBs are designed to allow air to enter the system when there is a drop in pressure, which prevents the back siphonage of contaminated water into the clean water supply. This is particularly important in food service settings where cross-connections between potable water and non-potable sources can pose significant health risks. The installation of AVBs is a critical component of maintaining compliance with plumbing codes and ensuring food safety standards are met. Proper use of these devices safeguards the drinking water supply from contaminants that may be present in certain equipment or processes, thereby protecting public health. While other options, such as water filters, backflow preventers, and pressure regulators, serve important functions in water treatment and management, they do not specifically address the prevention of backflow in the same manner as AVBs. Filters may improve water quality but do not prevent backflow; backflow preventers, while also effective, may not allow the same level of atmospheric pressure adjustment as AVBs; pressure regulators help manage water pressure but do not prevent contamination through backflow.